India, Jan. 7 -- Viswanathan Anand and Hans Niemann shared the top spot on 2.5 points and Carissa Yip emerged sole leader in the women's competition after the first day of rapid competition in the seventh Tata Steel Chess India here on Wednesday.

Against Wesley So, Anand gradually increased pressure until the position collapsed. Vidit Gujrathi made a strong statement with the black pieces, dominating Arjun Erigaisi and sealing the win with a rare knight-and-bishop checkmate. Niemann won his first game with an adventurous king walk against Volodar Murzin.

The second round saw R Praggnanandhaa control both wings before breaking through on the kingside to defeat Arjun. So entertained spectators with a daring king march to h6, outplaying Vo...